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Volvo XC90 vs MB M Class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX

1068 messages,  Last post on May 08, 2009 at 5:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Acura MDX, Lexus RX 330, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, SUV

#994 of 1068 Acura MDX vs Volvo XC90 vs Lexus RX330 by dhdan Nov 09, 2005 (2:01 pm)
My wife and I are expecting our first two children in March. So I need a new vehicle to replace our Acura RSX. We are looking at getting one of the above vehicles, used (hopefully '05 models depending on price), but I can't seem to decide which would be best. Any comments about the relative merits of these three vehicles would be appreciated. With two child seats does a third row matter? Which has the best second row space? Is the most accessible, etc.?   Also, suggestions as to when might be the best time to get a good deal would be great. Thanks to all in advance. Replies to this message: habitat1 (Nov 09, 2005 6:07 pm)
#995 of 1068 Re: Acura MDX vs Volvo XC90 vs Lexus RX330 [dhdan] by habitat1 Nov 09, 2005 (6:07 pm)
Replying to: dhdan (Nov 09, 2005 2:01 pm) You should probably get a less biased opinion on the RX330 than mine. I find it to be the minivan / New Beetle of SUV's (i.e. a "chick" car, if you can forgive the political incorrectness).   Our decision came down to the other two on your list, the MDX or XC90 V8 (briefly considered the GX470). I decided to let my wife make the decision, since she would be doing most of the day to day driving. She went for the MDX, based primarily on the size advantage, ease of use of the third row and Acura amenities which she likes from our 2004 TL (XM, Nav, Bluetooth phone, etc.). We only have two kids, but she ends up doing a fair amount of carting their friends around. The third row probably gets used once every week or two. And the second row is at least a full 2" wider in the MDX. Don't think that's much? It's life or death if you ever try to sit a real person between the two car seats.   From my perspective, I am happy with the MDX. Acura build quality and reliability are excellent. The vehicle performs reasonably well and gets decent gas mileage for a 7 passenger SUV. We get 22-23+ mpg on the highway, compared to 18-19 for our old 5 passenger considerably pokier and tipsy Trooper.   That said, the XC90 is a great vehicle. I particluarly like the high quality European interior, more stylish exterior, and class leading seat comfort. It drives and handles very well, especially the V8. But it also has some Swedish idiosyncracies and missing amenities. (No Bluetooth, XM, Nav system is 2 rungs down from Acura, etc). My wife found the narrower width and more difficult 3rd row ingress/egress a pain. And, although it seems to have gotten better since its introduction, the XC90 still had us wondering more about reliability and long term maintenance issues / expense.   Good luck and congratulations on the forthcoming arrivals.
#996 of 1068 Re: Dilema of ML350-SRX V6? [lovemyclk] by newmowner Nov 10, 2005 (10:04 am)
Replying to: lovemyclk (Oct 25, 2005 2:11 pm) First, you should read the 2006 ML "problems and solutions" forum and decide whether you are comfortable with the various issues owners raise.   Second, I am not sure precisely where you are shopping, but I shopped a few dealerships in the NYC area over the summer, and just recently phoned one of those dealerships to get a price for a friend of mine, and dealers seem to be taking off $2750-$3500 off the sticker. If you need information, please let me know. Replies to this message: taketheoffer (Nov 10, 2005 2:13 pm) newmowner (Nov 10, 2005 6:13 pm) taketheoffer (Nov 11, 2005 5:22 am)
#997 of 1068 Re: Dilema of ML350-SRX V6? [newmowner] by taketheoffer Nov 10, 2005 (2:13 pm)
Replying to: newmowner (Nov 10, 2005 10:04 am) Thanks for the input. I actually have been checking out the ML06 issues and the early build catastrophes as well as poor responses do somewhat scare me. As far as price I have had some Long Island dealers discounting from sticker but it still leases poorly due to the money factors in play. I would need dealers to work from invoice or get more competitive with their peers. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it seems that both the ML & SRX are out for different issues. Seems I am destined for a loaded Jeep Commander Hemi if my dealer plays his cards right. Replies to this message: newmowner (Nov 10, 2005 6:13 pm) taketheoffer (Nov 11, 2005 5:22 am)
#998 of 1068 Re: Dilema of ML350-SRX V6? [taketheoffer] by newmowner Nov 10, 2005 (6:13 pm)
Replying to: taketheoffer (Nov 10, 2005 2:13 pm) After purchasing the 2006 ML and not being all that happy with its performance, I am now less inclined to buy a vehicle a the first year it's out, regardless of an attractive price. To me, it's not worth the headache you get from being their test dummy. As a result, now I am only interested in buying cars that are one to two years old and whose quality is confirmed. Don't mind not having the newest thing on the block for that tradeoff. I think the Jeep Commander is in its first year too right? Replies to this message: taketheoffer (Nov 11, 2005 5:22 am)
#999 of 1068 Re: Dilema of ML350-SRX V6? [newmowner] by taketheoffer Nov 11, 2005 (5:22 am)
Replying to: newmowner (Nov 10, 2005 6:13 pm) Commander as a model is in its first year. However all of the moving parts & underpinings are carryovers from the Grand Cherokee which was redone last year. I had a lot of luck with a 99 Grand Cherokee which was also a first year version that year. In fact more luck then with my 2002.
#1000 of 1068 I like the SRX and the Volvo by adp33 Nov 15, 2005 (3:28 pm)
It's funny how no one gives an edge to the American car, anymore.   I don't know anyone who is happy with their Mercedes. Which is too bad, since they make such sweet rides. But if they are in the shop every other month, who needs it? I know my time is more important than that, and I don't appreciate being taken advantage of that way.   All our execs have dumped the DC products for BMW, Land Rover, others. I know I know - out of the fat and into the fire. But they all got soured on DC reliability (and these folks are buying high-end cars, not the $40,000 models).   Someone above with the family of 4 was looking for advice. My first advice is, do you really need more than a sedan? (I have an SUV with a family of four, but that's because it is a great snow vehicle and it doesn't get a lot of miles during the week).   I rate the XC90 and SRX at the top of the list, but they are different vehicles. It really depends on what you want. The Lexus 400H (or non-H) would be great, too. I know folks who love their X5s, but the cargo capacity just stinks. If you don't need that, however, then it's a great car. Not up to Volvo or the SRX vis a vis reliability. The Cadillac will give the nicest "ride" but it won't give you any ground clearance, if that matters. The looks have not grown on my, and I really want to like it. But the ride is great. I'm surprised you can't find a deal on one, given GM's dire straits.   I don't think the Jeep is even in the same league as the XC90 (or the Acura). But buying a car is so much about personal tastes. (as it should be) But don't buy something you don't like just to save $50/month. If you are buying a $40,000 vehicle, you can't really be that concerned about monetary issues. If you ARE, then you should be buying a two-year old SRX or XC90 (or MDX)
#1001 of 1068 Cadillac SRX Vs Lexus 330????? by nascarqueen24 Nov 17, 2005 (10:07 am)
A good afternoon folks.   I am fairly new to this board, so help me if I wander in the wrong direction.   I am considering the purchase of the impressive SRX. I live in Toronto, Canada and there are only a few of these vehicles around. It is really hard to get a vehicle to even test drive and I know I am going to pay big time to get one (sigh, such is the life in a small market).   I note that Cadillac is agressively advertising the SRX in the financial section of our Toronto and national Canadian papers. It is usually on the opposite page to the Lexus 330. It is obvious that Cadillac considers the 330 to be the competition and the price points are about the same.   In Toronto, many are "yuppies" and they would never descend to drive a domestic, the foreign is the ONLY vehicle, even with their endless, expensive servicing - I know, I used to be a "vehicle purchasing consultant" for vehicles with "pedigrees".   QUESTION - I love the aggressive styling of the SRX, but what is the main difference between it and the 330? Safety and Reliability are big with me - I am a daughter of a mechanic after all - I have no tolerance for breakdowns   QUESTION - Any tips on negotiating the SRX where there is limited supply?   Any info you could share would be appreciated   Have a great day everyone   NascarQueen24
#1002 of 1068 BMW X-5 4.4 or Volvo XC90 v8? by bullethead Nov 20, 2005 (7:00 pm)
Currently have a 2000 TLC and a 2003 540i - wife drives the BMer and now wants something more practical for hauling the baby and the dogs around in. We live in Central Ohio - i.e snow for 4 months of the year, so AWD is the thing she is looking for. Previously looked at the 1st Gen X5 back in 2000, but went with the TLC - have since driven the X5 and the XC90 - both seem nice, but I hear bad things about the XC90 and fuel pump issues (from the other Edmunds boards) - any perspectives?   Thanks Replies to this message: guyf (Nov 21, 2005 4:15 am)
#1003 of 1068 Re: BMW X-5 4.4 or Volvo XC90 v8? [bullethead] by guyf Nov 21, 2005 (4:15 am)
Replying to: bullethead (Nov 20, 2005 7:00 pm) Do you really need the V8? The 2.5T is very reliable, costs less and uses less fuel. If you're not planning on racing, it's more than fast enough.

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